| For Immediate Release February 25th, 2005 |
Contact: | Mark Macaulay Media Relations Spokesperson (714) 347-8405 |
ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE ADOPTS NEW PROGRAM TO HELP SAVE LIVES
Santa Ana—The Orange County District Attorney’s office has been equipped with three Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) as an increased safety precaution for employees. The President of the Ray of Life Foundation, Helena Jacobson, donated two AEDs and training for 12 OCDA employees. The OCDA purchased an additional AED and paid to train an additional 12 employees in life saving techniques.
Sudden cardiac arrest claims an estimated 220,000 lives each year. Most are caused by abnormal heart rhythms in which many of the victims have no history of heart disease. Over 600 Americans suffer a sudden cardiac arrest each day with more than 95 percent of them resulting in death. Many of these cases result in death because lifesaving defibrillators arrive on the scene too late.
“This is a priceless gift by the Ray of Life Foundation,” said Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. “When cardiac arrest occurs, a few minutes are all that stand between life and death. I am glad that we have these life saving machines on standby for our employees.”
The Ray of Life Foundation was established in January 2003 and has donated over 100 AEDs along with life saving training to non-profit organizations. The AEDs donated to the District Attorney’s office will be placed on the 1st, 6th, and 10th floors of the 401 building in Santa Ana.
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